Tigers forward Oasiz Wiesblatt (pictured) starting a defensive zone breakout in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Calgary Hitmen (Photo courtesy Randy Feere / Medicine Hat Tigers)

By Scott Roblin

41-Save Showing

Bjorklund stands tall to guide Tigers to first home win in over two months

Dec 30, 2021 | 10:41 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Garin Bjorklund’s efforts were finally rewarded with two points on Thursday night, standing on his head against the Calgary Hitmen for the second game in a row.

Bjorklund was a brick wall with 41 saves against the Hitmen, while snakebitten forward Tyler MacKenzie finally netted his first two goals of the season in a 3-2 win for the Medicine Hat Tigers on home ice.

It was the first time in over two months that the Tigers have gifted their fans a victory at home, with their last coming on October 22 against the Prince Albert Raiders.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

18h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Looking to avenge a 3-1 loss at the hands of the Hitmen on Tuesday, it was MacKenzie finally breaking through with his first goal in 29 games sniping a shot from the slot past Brayden Peters just over six minutes into the game.

MacKenzie’s goal stood alone until six minutes into the second frame, when Noah Danielson let a shot rip from the right face-off circle on the power play to double Medicine Hat’s lead.

Calgary quickly got on the board to cut the deficit to 2-1 a few minutes later, as Grayden Siepmann was sprung on a breakaway from Mason Finley and went top shelf on Bjorklund.

Two minutes into the third period, MacKenzie’s breakout night continued by intercepting a pass shorthanded and waiting out Peters on a breakaway of his own for the unassisted marker.

Calgary’s Zac Funk brought the visitors to within a single goal with under seven minutes left, but Bjorklund stood tall with Peters on the bench for the extra skater to give the Tigers a welcomed present to cap off 2021.

Special teams were easily the difference for Medicine Hat, along with Bjorklund’s play, as the Tabbies went a perfect 6-for-6 on the penalty kill including MacKenzie’s shorthanded marker while also tallying a goal on the power play.

Over his two games against the Hitmen this week, Bjorklund has stopped 79 shots and has provided some needed stability between the pipes for the Tigers.

Earning their sixth victory of the 2021-22 WHL season, the Tigers will ring in the new year on Saturday night with a meeting against the CHL’s top-ranked club in the Winnipeg ICE at 7:00 pm on home ice.